Best Alcohol Reduction Podcasts (2025)

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Gio opens up about addiction, relapse, identity loss, and spiritual growth after fentanyl nearly ended his life. 50:41

1d ago50:41

50:41

Send us a text Gio is a former semi-pro hockey player, father of two, and person in recovery. In this episode, he shares his long battle with addiction—from partying in locker rooms to opioid dependency, family loss, and fentanyl relapse. After three treatment attempts, legal struggles, and near-fatal overdoses, Gio finally found lasting recovery b…

1
JAMA at CCR, Intrapartum Sildenafil and Perinatal Outcomes, Trauma-Informed Care, and more 9:38

2d ago9:38

9:38

Editor’s Summary by Linda Brubaker, MD, Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editors, and Christopher W. Seymour, MD, MSc, Associate Editor of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from June 7-13, 2025.

1
The psychology of alcohol use and addiction with Prof. Roy Baumeister 40:43

3d ago40:43

40:43

Send us a text In this episode, we talk to Prof. Roy Baumeister about the psychology of alcohol use and addiction. We cover topics such as why people drink, the effects of alcohol, the role of emotions such as guilt, and how self-control works. Prof Baumeister is one of the most eminent living psychologists with over 40 books and 700 scientific pub…

1
How Alcohol Changes Your Skin, Hair, and Nails 9:44

3d ago9:44

9:44

From stubborn breakouts to thinning hair and brittle nails, alcohol might be doing more to your appearance than you think — and not in a good way. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how drinking impacts your outer glow and what really happens when you cut back: Why alcohol dehydrates your skin and speeds up aging The surprising link betw…

1
The Drinking Persona vs. The Real You 8:07

5d ago8:07

8:07

Ever feel like a different person after a few drinks? You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the psychology and neuroscience behind the “drinking persona”—why it shows up, how it shapes your behavior, and what it reveals about the real you underneath. We’ll cover: What alcohol myopia is (…

1
Dan and Donna reflect on grief, parenting, and near relapse. A raw look at recovery, empathy, and slowing down after loss. 42:22

9d ago42:22

42:22

Send us a text Donna recently lost her mom. This pushed Donna to the edge and showed her what really mattered. ✅ Buy us a coffee! ✅ Need HKT Merch? ✅ Check out EHN Canada ✅ Bunny Hugs and Mental Health ✅ Wellness News ✅ Heroic Microgreens ✅ A1 Accounting Support the show We've got fresh merch and it's amazing! Pick yours up HERE Are you getting som…

1
Blood-Based Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening, Artificial Sweetener in E-Cigarettes, Algal Blooms and Human Health, and more 9:05

9d ago9:05

9:05

Editor’s Summary by Linda Brubaker, MD, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editors of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from May 31-June 6, 2025.

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The Hidden Link Between PMS, Hormones, and Alcohol 8:04

10d ago8:04

8:04

Ever wonder why your PMS symptoms feel worse after a few drinks — or why that glass of wine hits different before your period? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the surprising ways alcohol messes with your hormones, from intensifying PMS to disrupting estrogen balance and making stress feel even worse. You’ll learn: How alcohol impacts …

1
Why You Crave Booze When You’re Stressed 8:43

12d ago8:43

8:43

Ever feel like stress sends you straight to the fridge for a drink? You’re not alone — and it’s not about willpower. It’s brain wiring. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the real science behind why stress makes us crave alcohol — and how to break the cycle without going full monk mode. You’ll learn: What cortisol and GABA have to do with st…

1
The Blood Sugar Rollercoaster You Didn’t See Coming 9:52

13d ago9:52

9:52

Ever feel shaky, anxious, or wiped out after just one or two drinks? That’s not random — it’s your blood sugar taking a wild ride. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the hidden link between alcohol and blood sugar chaos, including: • Why even moderate drinking can cause spikes, crashes, and cravings • How blood sugar swings affect mood, …

1
Aaron shares how the overdose death of his brother, liver failure, and coma, pushed him to choose recovery and fight for his life. 36:47

16d ago36:47

36:47

Send us a text Aaron is a father, artist, and addict in recovery, currently living with stage 3 liver failure. After losing his brother to an overdose, Aaron drank himself to near death. When he woke up in the hospital he made the decision to fight for his life. In this episode, he shares his path from early drug use, DJing in strip clubs, and dail…

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Zilebesiran for Uncontrolled Hypertension, Platelet Transfusion Guidelines, Uveitis Review and more 7:38

16d ago7:38

7:38

Editor’s Summary by Linda Brubaker, MD, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editors of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from May 24-30, 2025.

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Can You Drink and Still Be “Healthy”? 8:09

16d ago8:09

8:09

Can you really drink and still be “healthy”? Or is that just what wellness culture wants you to believe? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the science and nuance behind alcohol’s place in a healthy lifestyle, including: What alcohol actually does to your brain, sleep, hormones, and metabolism Why “moderation” isn’t always as safe or harmles…

1
The Truth About “Flush” Reactions to Alcohol 9:29

17d ago9:29

9:29

Ever wonder why your face turns red after just one drink? That post-sip glow isn’t just awkward — it’s a sign your body processes alcohol differently. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the truth about alcohol flush reactions, including: What causes your skin to flush and heart to race after drinking Why this reaction is linked to geneti…

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Why Alcohol Affects Men and Women So Differently 9:06

18d ago9:06

9:06

Why does alcohol hit some people harder than others — even when they drink the same amount? The answer isn’t just “tolerance” — it’s biology. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of how alcohol affects men and women differently, including: How body composition and enzyme levels change alcohol absorption The role of hormones in …

1
Can Your Liver Bounce Back? 8:58

19d ago8:58

8:58

Your liver does a lot — from filtering toxins to keeping your body balanced — but how much damage does drinking really do? And more importantly, can it recover? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science of liver health, including: What alcohol actually does to your liver over time Which kinds of damage are reversible (and which aren…

1
The Internet Is Your New Sober Buddy 10:42

20d ago10:42

10:42

Trying to drink less, but don’t vibe with traditional programs? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not without support. From Reddit threads to TikTok comments, online communities are redefining what it means to change your relationship with alcohol. These digital spaces are honest, judgment-free, and full of people just like you — figuring it…

1
Sarahjane is living with liver failure after escaping the pain from domestic violence with alcohol. 39:25

23d ago39:25

39:25

Send us a text Sarahjane shares her journey from domestic violence and liver failure to recovery, motherhood, and healing through meditation, breath work, and community connection. ✅ Buy us a coffee! ✅ Need HKT Merch? ✅ Check out EHN Canada ✅ Bunny Hugs and Mental Health ✅ Wellness News ✅ Naranon Find Sarajane in TikTok Support the show We've got f…

1
JAMA at ATS, Approaches to Identify COPD, Sedentary Behavior Trends in US Adults, and more 10:53

23d ago10:53

10:53

Editor’s Summary by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor in Chief, Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editor, and Christopher W. Seymour, MD, MSc, Associate Editor of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from May 17-23, 2025.

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How Companies Are Adapting to Changing Preferences 7:42

23d ago7:42

7:42

Not drinking used to feel like an awkward conversation. Now? It’s a billion-dollar industry. From zero-proof bars to functional drinks packed with wellness benefits, the sober-curious movement is changing everything — and businesses are scrambling to keep up. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the rise of the “sober economy,” including: …

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Social Media's Role in Promoting Sober Lifestyles 10:33

24d ago10:33

10:33

From colorful mocktails to sober glow-up stories, social media is rewriting the rules around alcohol — and making mindful drinking (or skipping it altogether) more normal than ever. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how platforms like Instagram and YouTube are helping people explore a life with less alcohol: The rise of “sober-curious” …

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Alcohol's Impact on Daily Mood and Productivity 8:15

25d ago8:15

8:15

Even one or two drinks — the kind you barely think about — can quietly mess with your next day. From lost motivation to emotional ups and downs, alcohol has a way of showing up long after the buzz wears off. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what alcohol really does to your focus, energy, and emotional stability — even if you’re drinkin…

1
Hangover or Hangxiety? 8:35

26d ago8:35

8:35

You wake up feeling foggy, your heart’s racing, and there’s a low-key sense of dread… even though you didn’t do anything wrong. That’s not just a hangover — that’s hangxiety. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind why alcohol can make you feel emotionally off the next day, even after just a few drinks: How alcohol messes w…

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Breaking the Cycle: Alcohol and Emotional Resilience 10:16

27d ago10:16

10:16

Do you ever find yourself reaching for a drink after a tough day, hoping to unwind—but somehow feeling even more drained the next morning? You’re not alone. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the surprising link between alcohol and emotional resilience—and what’s really happening in your brain and body when you rely on a drink to cope wi…

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Nova Fox's family kidnapped her from a trap house in Regina Saskatchewan and drove her out of the country to get sober. 1:10:37

1M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Send us a text Nova Fox shares her journey through addiction, gang life, and child apprehension—and how reconnecting with Cree language and ceremony helped her begin to heal. ============= Learn more about FSIN HERE For business or speaking inquiries: [email protected] ============= Support the channel ✅ Warrior Mentality ✅ Buy us a coffee! …

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The Microbiome and Cancer, Timing of Antihypertensive Medication Administration, What is Chronic Migraine and more 7:52

1M ago7:52

7:52

Editor’s Summary by Linda Brubaker, MD, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editors of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from May 10-16, 2025.

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The Emotional Toll of Social Drinking 9:08

1M ago9:08

9:08

Ever wake up feeling anxious, foggy, or disconnected after a night of “just social drinking”? You’re not alone—and it’s not just the alcohol. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the emotional toll of social drinking, including: Why drinking to “fit in” often leads to feeling worse later How alcohol hijacks your brain chemistry and self-aware…

1
Why Alcohol Throws Off Your Balance 10:58

1M ago10:58

10:58

Ever wonder why walking straight after a few drinks feels like a full-body workout? It’s not just in your head — it’s real, and it’s science. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down exactly how alcohol throws off your balance, coordination, and muscle control, including: How alcohol slows down your brain’s “balance center” Why your inner ear …

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Why You Don’t Bounce Back Like You Used To 8:29

1M ago8:29

8:29

Feeling like one night out takes three days to recover from? You’re not alone—and there’s real science behind it. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down why you don’t bounce back like you used to after drinking, and what’s actually going on inside your body: How aging slows down your alcohol metabolism Why your brain, sleep, and energy suffe…

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Brain Fog After Drinking? Here’s the Fix 10:04

1M ago10:04

10:04

Feeling scatterbrained after a night out? You’re not imagining it. Even a few drinks can mess with your sleep, hydration, and brain chemistry—leading to that foggy, sluggish feeling the next day. But the good news? Cutting back (even a little) can help your brain bounce back faster than you think. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: Why …

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Is Wine Really Helping Your Heart? 8:25

1M ago8:25

8:25

Red wine gets a lot of love for being “heart healthy”… but is it really? Or have we all been sipping on wishful thinking? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook uncorks the truth about wine and heart health: Where the “wine is healthy” idea came from What recent studies say about alcohol and your heart The real deal on resveratrol, blood pressure, and i…

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Stacey Moore shares her journey through addiction, domestic violence, and suicide attempts while parenting kids with complex needs. 53:01

1M ago53:01

53:01

Send us a text Stacey Moore is a nurse, addict in recovery, suicide attempt survivor, and mother of children with complex needs. She speaks openly about surviving domestic violence, managing substance use while parenting, navigating mental health crises, and working in healthcare while in recovery. Her lived experience now guides her work at Saskat…

1
Influenza and COVID-19 Multicomponent Vaccine, Procedural-Based Treatments for Mixed Urinary Incontinence, Estimating Reform Impact on the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Program, and more 6:32

1M ago6:32

6:32

Editor’s Summary by Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editor of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and Anne R. Cappola, MD, ScM, Senior Editor at JAMA, for articles published from May 3-9, 2025.

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Can Alcohol Kill Your Gains? 8:43

1M ago8:43

8:43

Hitting the gym and hitting the bar? You’re not alone. But what if that post-workout drink is slowing down your muscle recovery? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what really happens when alcohol and exercise collide: How alcohol slows muscle building and increases soreness Why it messes with your hormones, hydration, and deep sleep The…

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Your Liver Called—It’s Tired 8:36

1M ago8:36

8:36

Feeling bloated, foggy, or just off after a couple drinks? Your liver might be waving a white flag. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what your liver really does, how alcohol can quietly wear it down, and the sneaky signs that your body’s detox center is running on fumes. You’ll learn: How alcohol overloads your liver and slows down met…

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Is Alcohol Fueling Your Inflammation? 11:36

1M ago11:36

11:36

Feeling tired, puffy, or just not quite yourself lately? Alcohol might be adding fuel to the fire—literally. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how alcohol can keep inflammation levels high behind the scenes, even if you’re drinking moderately. You’ll learn: What inflammation really is (and why you might have it without realizing) How al…

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Alcohol, Age, and the Belly Fat After 30s 8:22

1M ago8:22

8:22

Struggling with stubborn belly fat after 30—despite eating well and staying active? Alcohol might be playing a bigger role than you think. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down the science behind alcohol and midsection weight gain, including: Why alcohol slows fat burning and stores more in your belly How hormonal changes after 30 make bell…

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Mastering Moderation with Zebra Striping 8:26

1M ago8:26

8:26

Trying to cut back on drinking without giving up your social life? Zebra Striping might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down this flexible new strategy for drinking less—without feeling like you’re missing out. You’ll learn: What Zebra Striping is and why it works How it helps reduce hangovers, …

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No episode this week, we will be back next week though 🙏 0:32

1M ago0:32

0:32

Send us a text Hey everyone, just a quick note to let you know that there won’t be a new episode of Hard Knox Talks this week. Life has thrown a few unexpected things our way, and we’re taking a little time to pause and regroup. Thank you for your understanding and continued support — it means the world to us. We’ll be back next week with more real…

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Spending Reductions With the Medicare Shared Savings Program, Extended Caffeine Use in Preterm Infants, Survival Trends for Periviable Infants, and more 7:43

1M ago7:43

7:43

Editor’s Summary by Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS, Editor in Chief, and Preeti Malani, MD, MSJ, Deputy Editor of JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, for articles published from April 26-May 2, 2025.

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How to Drink Smarter and Feel Better 10:40

1M ago10:40

10:40

You don’t have to give up drinking completely to feel better, sometimes, just drinking less makes all the difference. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down how to cut back without cutting it all out. Whether you’re aiming for better sleep, fewer regrets, or more energy in the morning, you’ll learn how to shift your habits in a way that actu…

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The Truth Behind “Just One Drink” 10:16

2M ago10:16

10:16

Ever tell yourself you’ll have “just one drink”… and then find yourself reaching for another? In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the brain science behind that all-too-familiar moment—breaking down how alcohol affects your decision-making, reward system, and self-control in real time. You’ll learn: Why the first drink triggers powerful rewar…

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Intermittent Sobriety: Does It Actually Work? 10:10

2M ago10:10

10:10

Intermittent sobriety is gaining traction, and for good reason. Taking short, intentional breaks from alcohol can lead to better sleep, sharper focus, and a noticeable boost in energy and mood. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores how drinking less—even just a few days a week—can help your body recover, your brain reset, and your habits shift…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Alcohol Reduction Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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